The original purpose of this thesis was to perform a pilot study for Professor Terje Rølvågs idea of utilizing VAPAC in chair applications. A considerable amount of time has therefore been devoted to general and underlying studies of tilting mechanisms and their function, as well as how to best adapt the different tilting mechanisms to individual users. The initial technology analysis showed that existing solutions are highly complex, potentially expensive to produce and possess a number of more or less unnecessary adjustment possibilities.

As no common denominator was found as to what characterizes a "good" mechanism, studies were conducted on what, if anything, defines "the optimal" seating experience. Based on these studies, a chair where the tilt follows the movement of an individual's point of gravity was proposed and investigations on how this could potentially be achieved and adjusted for each user were conducted.

On account of previous experience from the project thesis (1), as well as the technology analysis and performed calculations, a user requirements specification was developed. This was later used to construct a product requirements specification for use in subsequent weighting of chosen concept.

During the development of potential conceptual designs, one of the conceptual designs showed considerably greater potential than the others. The purpose of the thesis was therefore, in concurrence with supervisor, refocused to the manufacturing of a functional prototype2. Less emphasis was therefore placed on the further development of the other conceptual designs.

The chosen conceptual design was optimized and analyzed as far as possible and promising results led to the manufacturing of a prototype. The original version turned out not to follow the underlying calculations and analysis. It was later discovered that a number of factors coincided to give a false foundation for its production. Most important among these was that the selected material, Polyamide 6, did not possess the mechanical properties that were specified by the manufacturer, but rather that these deteriorated significantly when exposed to moisture. Before this was discovered, however, an additional two prototypes were produced.

The result was a tilt-wise fully functional prototype, which offers the user a completely new and unique seating experience. The prototype also demonstrates the idea’s great economic and practical advantages in comparison to traditional tilt mechanisms, as, among other things, it consists of fewer parts and is easier to assemble.

During the development process, a thorough study of how the proposed VAPAC mechanism actuall works, and how the different parameters affect the function of the mechanism, has been carried out. This has resulted in a highly available and comprehensive design tool, which has been of great help during the course of the project. Method of use for the design tool is described in details in the paper's appendix.

For further work, among other things, a more thorough investigation of the point of gravity’s movement in different customer groups is recommended. This so that future chairs can be custom made to each user in the best possible way. Thorough cost analysis should be conducted to determine actual cost savings compared to traditional mechanisms. Further optimization of beam cross-section in the mechanism should be conducted, and more concepts and materials should be evaluated.